Antelope Creek villages
Petroglyph near the ruins
NPS
The Antelope Creek people lived in a small village next to a spring about a mile from the quarry sites. The walls of their residences were built with one or two rows of dolomite along the base. When two rows of dolomite were used, rubble was placed between the two rows, probably for insulation. Wattle and daub or stone was used for the higher sections of the wall. The roof was probably made of thatched grasses. The entrance to the home was a long, low crawlway, which probably afforded some protection from animals and hostile people, and may also have allowed more airflow through the structure. Two low benches along each side of the interior were probably used for sleeping areas. A fire pit was located in the center of the room, which would have required a hole in the ceiling to let the smoke out. Shards of Alibates flint are found on the ground around the Antelope Creek village near the quarries. Ranger-led tours to the ruins are given to the village on weekends in October. |
Did You Know?
Spring Canyon is a separate "mini-lake" on the north side of Sanford Dam, and features a day camp area, swimming area, fishing pier, and a wetlands/bird watching area. More...